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At least 47 killed in blast at Indonesian fireworks factory

Emergency services at the scene
Emergency services at the scene

At least 47 people have been killed and dozens more injured following an explosion and fire at a fireworks factory in Indonesia.

The death toll from the disaster is expected to rise.

Television images showed thick plumes of dark smoke billowing from the factory in Tangerang, west of the capital, Jakarta.

Local reports said there were two explosions, one at around 10am and then another about three hours later, both of which could be heard miles away.

Tangerang police chief Harry Kurniawan said the dead were discovered by his officers when they entered the factory warehouse.

He said: "In total, 47 people died. We don't know for sure the number of people who are still unaccounted for."

Photos of the PT Panca Buana Cahaya Sukses warehouse showed smouldering ash and debris, with the roof completely missing.

Local reports said the factory had been operating for only two months.